10 Tools, 2 Ounces: The Leatherman Micra Fits on Your Keychain (and Does Almost Everything)

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If you do a lot of work around the house, at your job, in a garage, or at a workshop, you've encountered plenty of moments when a multitool would save the day. Same goes for anyone who camps, hunts, or fishes regularly. That's the beauty of the multitool—in one compact body it holds so many useful items that can help you wrap up a project or solve a problem in a pinch.

While it's easy to decide that a multitool would be a worthy investment for your lifestyle, it's not easy to pick one out. There are seemingly endless options. I set out to test the best ones for the 2025 Men's Journal Tool Awards, narrowing down all those multitools to the truly exceptional ones out there. My top pick for the best compact multitool is the Leatherman Micra. It has most everything you need on a daily basis and nothing you don't, and the size means it's something you can actually comfortably carry and pack.

Why Leatherman Micra Is the Best Compact Multitool

One of the downsides of most multitools is that they’re too bulky to carry every day like a pocket knife. Many options have a pocket clip, but most are fairly big and heavy—and so you might only carry them in certain situations or keep them in a pack or vehicle. The micro-sized Leatherman Micra is small and light enough that you’ll barely notice it in a pocket or even on a keychain. At 2.5 inches closed, it’s shorter than most pocket knife blades and weighs less than two ounces. 

There are some compromises, of course, and most notably, you don’t get pliers, though the scissors that take their place are super-handy in everyday life. While destined for lighter duty than a full-sized Leatherman, the Micra fills a niche similar to a basic Swiss Army Knife in a more modern package.

Leatherman Micra Specs

General Specs

• Tool Count: 10 tools total (compact everyday carry)
• Weight: 51.03 g (about 1.8 oz) — ultra-light and ideal for keychain carry
• Closed Length: 2.5 in (6.35 cm) — very compact
• Open Length: 4.2 in (10.67 cm)
• Width: 0.75 in (1.91 cm)
• Overall Thickness: 0.37 in (0.94 cm)
• Sheath: Sold separately

Steel & Materials

• Blade Material: 420HC stainless steel—good corrosion resistance and edge retention for small utility blades
• Blade Hardness: 55–59 HRC—balanced toughness and sharpenability
• Frame/Handle Material: 420 stainless steel—durable and corrosion-resistant
• Implement Material: 420 stainless steel
• Implement Finish: Polished silver
• Frame Finish Options: Cerakote® finishes (various colors available)

Blade & Locking

• Primary Blade Length: 1.6 in (4.06 cm)—small utility blade
• Blade Lock: No blade locking mechanism—traditional slip-joint style
• Implement Locking: Tools do not lock—simple folding design

Tools Included

1. Knife (420HC)
2. Spring-action scissors
3. Flat/Phillips screwdriver
4. Ruler (4.7 in/12 cm)
5. Nail cleaner
6. Tweezers
7. Bottle opener
8. Nail file
9. Medium screwdriver
10. Extra-small screwdriver

Features & Carry

• Key Ring Attachment: Built-in split ring loop lets you attach the tool to keys or gear for easy carry
• Color Options: Multiple frame colors and Cerakote finishes available (Heathered Blush, Jet Black, Parakeet, Spruce, Pumpkin Spice, Winter Fog, Stainless Steel, etc.)
• Portability: Extremely small, lightweight design perfect for keychains, pockets, purses, EDC kits, travel, or sewing kits

Performance & Use Cases

• Everyday Carry: Best for light tasks like cutting tags, trimming, tightening small screws, filing nails, opening bottles
• Not Designed For: Heavy-duty cutting or tasks requiring locking blades or pliers (unlike larger multitools)

Why You Should Trust Me

I’m a lifelong camper based at 10,000 feet in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. I spend at least a month in a tent each year and have camped in snow pits above 14,000 feet and on the beach in the tropics. I’m familiar with what makes a truly useful, durable multitool that’ll stand the test of time and help you out in all kinds of outdoor scenarios.